Trot Insider has learned that Acme Dynamite, who in the past was named Newfoundland’s Horse of the Year for three consecutive seasons, has been retired by owner Stephanie Forward of Goulds
.
From 297 career starts, Acme Dynamite recorded 52 wins, 59 second-place finishes and 39 thirds. Stephanie's father, Scott, has been the now-14-year-old gelding's primary trainer since June of 2000 when he arrived in Newfoundland.
Scott explained to Trot Insider that the gelding had a rough trip to Newfoundland from Ontario and was in need of a little TLC upon his arrival. Acme Dynamite came to the right place, because he received a lot.
"I had almost given up on 'Acme' that first season because he was hitting his knee so bad. I just could not get him right despite the fact that he won five races that season in Newfoundland," explained Scott.
He said that with some help from longtime friend and blacksmith Dave MacRoberts, 'Acme' turned things around and was Newfoundland’s Horse of the Year for three seasons and was runner up for three more.
When the Newfoundland racetrack closed in 2003, Acme Dynamite was sent to race in Inverness and Sydney, Nova Scotia. Scott explained that he and his family made many trips back and forth to Nova Scotia to race Acme, as well as their other horses that summer.
"When the track here in Newfoundland was purchased that fall (in 2003) by Jim Whelan, we brought our horses back to Newfoundland. Out of all the horses at our racetrack Acme Dynamite has been here the longest."
Acme Dynamite has now resided at the St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Centre for 11 years, and will remain at the facility as a Forward Family pet.
On Sunday, October 24 at the St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Centre, Acme Dynamite won his final start by open lengths after having done all the work on the front end.